Leeds United confirm intention to keep Sunderland’s Will Buckley permanently

Chris Young

Leeds boss Uwe Rosler has confirmed his intention to sign Sunderland winger Will Buckley on a permanent deal in the January transfer window.

Buckley has been training with Leeds this week, ahead of a loan switch which will be formalised after the weekend to allow the ex-Brighton man to remain at Elland Road until January.

Hopefully we’ll get a permanent (deal). That’s what we always try to do when we loan a player

Uwe Rosler

But Rosler wants to keep Buckley for the long-term, with Leeds expected to push through a £1million permanent move when the transfer window re-opens, if his loan proves to be a success.

“Hopefully we’ll get a permanent (deal). That’s what we always try to do when we loan a player,” said Rosler.

“We’re very happy that we’ve got him on loan with a view to be here throughout the whole season. That’s our target and Will’s target too.”

Leeds had been in talks with Sunderland throughout the summer over Buckley, yet the two parties were unable to reach an agreement prior to the transfer deadline, despite Dick Advocaat making it clear that the 25-year-old was not part of his plans.

But after the emergency loan window opened, Leeds made a fresh approach, with Sunderland covering a percentage of Buckley’s wages.

Rosler added: “We worked for a while on Will. Finally we got him.

“Will knows the Championship well. He’s a proven Championship player with proven quality. He can go right into our team and make us better.

“He’s got energy, experience, he’s a good age and a point to prove after his time at Sunderland.”